Taiwanese Travelers Eager to Return to the United States

Taiwan has eased border controls and shortened quarantine for arrivals to only three days. Quarantine requirements are expected to be eliminated soon, and these new policies are expected to reinvigorate Taiwanese interest in international travel.

According to a July 2020 Booking.com survey, during the pandemic 66% of Taiwanese respondents had already made plans to travel internationally when conditions improved. The United States remains the #1 long-haul destination for Taiwan’s outbound travelers. With 91% of Taiwan’s population already vaccinated with one dose and 83% fully vaccinated, travel and tourism to the United States is poised for a strong rebound.

International flight frequency from Taiwan to the United States has already significantly increased. In April 2022, United Airlines resumed daily service from Taiwan to San Francisco. In July, EVA Airlines will increase routes to North America by 70%, from 17 flights per week to 29-33 flights per week. In August, EVA flight schedules to Los Angeles and San Francisco will occur daily, and direct passenger flights to Houston and Chicago will resume after more than one year hiatus. In August, China Airlines will increase U.S.-bound routes by 30% from one to two flights to Ontario, CA, and flights to San Francisco will increase from three to five flights per week. China Airlines will also maintain its 5 flights a week to Los Angeles.

The return of Taiwanese students for in-person education is further spurring additional Taiwanese travel to the United States. While visiting friends/family studying in the United States, many Taiwanese also seek out local U.S. tours. Taiwanese travelers spent over $3 billion in 2019, which equates to $6,000 per person-visit to the United States. Despite the higher costs of private tours, a recent survey revealed Taiwanese have expressed a willingness to pay more when traveling internationally: 72% of the interviewees are willing to spend more than they spent on their last overseas trip; among those, 85% would accept a 20% increase, and 12% would accept a 21% to 40% price increase.

Besides traveling with a customized small group, Taiwanese are also looking for less crowded attractions and prefer off-season travel to ensure trip quality. The influx of Taiwanese tourists will offer an excellent opportunity for U.S. tour operators to expand and grow.

For additional information please contact Madison Yao at Madison.Yao@trade.gov